Submission to the Australian Government on delivery of the Basin Plan

Centre for Ecosystem Science, UNSW Sydney

Professor Kingsford has a long track record of involvement in the management of water resources in the Murray-Darling Basin. He is the Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science (CES), UNSW Sydney. The research centre he leads supports instruments of government, including strategiesthat improve effectiveness of conservation of the environment, founded on a strong evidence base. Researchers in CES have established track records in the research and management of Australia’s biodiversity, both within and outside protected areas, with a strong focus on freshwater ecosystems and their management.

Background

The Murray-Darling Basin Plan is a critically important initiative for delivering sustainability to the rivers and ecosystem services of the Murray-Darling Basin. There are a range of aspects relevant to successful delivery of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan which can continue to be improved. Many of these relate to policies and initiatives which have had differing effects on delivery of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. This submission focuses on focus areas, identified in the request for suggestions to influence successful delivery of the MurrayDarling Basin Plan.

Focus areas

1. Contribute towards the water recovery targets or achieve Basin Plan flow targets more efficiently
2. Secure value for money
3. Provide enduring environmental outcomes
4. Minimise socio economic impacts
5. Provide other co-benefits (economic, social, environmental, cultural)
6. Be supported and implemented effectively by basin state and territory governments

To read more, download the full submission below.